Christmas Olive Oil Cake

Our answer

Nigella's Chocolate Olive Oil Cake (from NIGELLISIMA) is a very popular chocolate cake which can be made gluten free. It is wonderful on its own or you could make it a more festive centrepiece by topping the cake with whipped cream and scattering over pomegranate seeds, mini chocolate chips and chopped pistachio nuts. Or you use some festive sprinkles such as gold and silver stars or dragees.

It is possible to add some spices to the cake, though some children can be a little picky if the flavour of their favourite cake changes in any way. However if you wanted to add flavourings to the cake itself then we would take inspiration from Nigella's Christmas-Spiced Chocolate Cake. Adding grated clementine zest gives a chocolate orange flavour, which everyone is likely to enjoy. If you want to add cinnamon then use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon for this quantity of cake batter or try 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom as an alternative to cinnamon. The flavour of cloves can be quite assertive, especially for children, but if you want to use them then use just a tiny pinch. For other festive feasting ideas you may like to look at Nigella's Season's Eatings.